The others in the tent were unaware of her complex thoughts. Hearing this news, they felt as if a strong tonic had been injected into them, completely dispelling their doubts.
If [[Hanzo]] truly had lost both strength and ambition, then the current [[Amegakure]] was indeed nothing to fear.
"Also."
[[Chiyo]] quickly gathered her thoughts and shifted her tone. She looked toward the [[Sunagakure]] [[Ninja]] in charge of logistics and asked, "How are the follow up supplies, medicines, [[Ninja Tool]], and food coming along?"
This was the core problem facing [[Sunagakure]] at the moment.
What [[Ninja]] competed with in battle was not just [[Ninjutsu]] and personal quality, but also the quality of [[Ninja Tool]]. The level of equipment often played a decisive role in a fight.
However, [[Ninja Tool]] came at a high cost. A single ordinary [[Kunai]] was worth one hundred taels, better ones sold for three to five hundred, and high quality [[Kunai]] could exceed a thousand taels each. Every person needed at least five to ten [[Kunai]].
This was only the cost of [[Kunai]]. There were also [[Shuriken]] and [[Explosive Tag]].
[[Land of Wind]] was not like [[Land of Fire]], which had abundant usable resources. Most of its land was barren desert with little value, making its economy the weakest among the [[Five Great Nations]].
Even resource rich [[Land of Earth]] and [[Land of Lightning]], which fully used electric power, were far better off than [[Land of Wind]], which was so poor it lived off sand and wind.
On top of that, the [[Land of Wind]] [[Daimyo of the Land of Wind]] still did not fully trust [[Sunagakure]]. He had previously been furious upon learning of [[Sunagakure]]'s rash attack on [[Land of Fire]], though he was now forced to support them.
Even so, logistical support remained extremely strained.
The accumulated consumption of various military supplies was an astronomical figure, and this was the main reason [[Chiyo]] insisted on raiding [[Land of Rain]].
"Please rest assured!"
The [[Sunagakure]] [[Ninja]] in charge of logistics straightened his back and smiled. "Last week, we already placed an order with the 'Wedge Real Estate Company' of the Land of Waves for medicines, [[Ninja Tool]], and food."
"The Land of Waves, Wedge Real Estate Company…" [[Chiyo]] repeated the name. A trace of scrutiny flashed through her clouded eyes as she asked, "Are they trustworthy?"
The Land of Waves was very close to [[Land of Fire]], and the two were almost in a vassal like relationship. It was natural for [[Chiyo]] to have doubts.
"We have cooperated many times before. They are reputable and reliable, and the transactions are discreet."
The [[Sunagakure]] [[Ninja]] nodded without hesitation. "Purchasing and transport both go through their channels, avoiding [[Konoha]]'s eyes. This shipment will be enough to support long periods of high intensity consumption."
They had worked together before.
Hearing this, [[Chiyo]] nodded in satisfaction and did not press for further details.
After a moment of thought, her tone grew heavier as she added, "Since they are trustworthy, make sure to maintain the relationship. Sign a long term agreement in the name of [[Sunagakure]] for priority and stable supply."
"Even if the price is a bit higher, it doesn't matter, as long as the terms are not excessive."
In such a special wartime period, material prices were far higher than before, and often unavailable even at a price. Being able to buy them at all was already fortunate.
After all, the largest supplier of materials in the [[Ninja World]] was [[Konoha]].
And [[Sunagakure]] was currently fighting [[Konoha]] to the brink. Most merchants had to consider [[Konoha]]'s stance, and even if they sold, it would only be in small, secret amounts.
Therefore, a partner who was not swayed by [[Konoha]]'s attitude, dared to trade openly against the pressure, and could provide stable supplies was extremely important to [[Sunagakure]].
"Yes! Understood!" The [[Sunagakure]] [[Ninja]] responded solemnly.
[[Chiyo]] nodded and swept her gaze across the room. "Do not rush for quick success. We are the ones holding the advantage. We only need to keep pushing forward."
Her tone was filled with confidence and ambition, as the situation was still under her control.
If nothing unexpected happened, once the supplies arrived, they would mobilize all forces and launch a full scale assault on [[Konoha]].
Using the new poison she had developed, they aimed to break through [[Konoha]]'s defenses in the shortest possible time.
Then, without stopping, they would move straight into [[Land of Fire]] and naturally win the war.
This time, they would station troops in those relatively fertile lands and force [[Land of Fire]] to sign a treaty ceding territory, lowering tariffs, opening trade, and paying war reparations.
But just as these hopeful visions of the future settled in, and the tense atmosphere in the tent finally eased slightly, something changed.
Swish. Swish.
The sound of rain outside the tent suddenly seemed much louder, and many people instinctively looked up.
"Has the wind picked up?"
They drew in a breath through their noses, and the air seemed colder than before.
As it entered their nostrils and traveled down their airways into their lungs, it brought a stinging pain, like ants biting.
"Hmm?"
Chiyo's gray brows tightened at once, a battlefield-honed instinct warning her before her thoughts could catch up. In the next moment, the rain pierced through the top of the tent and fell straight down. The sound cut through the air with a sharp whistle.
A Sunagakure Ninja who looked up did not even finish showing his shock before a dim blue arrow went through his mouth and cleanly through his fragile neck. Bone fragments, torn flesh, and a spray of blood burst out as the arrow nailed itself deep into the wooden table behind him. The arrow shaft still shook, humming softly as his eyes went dull.
Blood poured from the hole and splashed across the map of the Land of Rain on the table. "It's the ene…" one quick reacting Sunagakure Ninja shouted half a word before his voice was swallowed by shrill tearing sounds. Whistles rang out one after another.
Only then did the people from Sunagakure see it clearly. This was not rain at all, but an overwhelming number of arrows. Arrows formed from pure Chakra punched through the tough tent roof with ease.
Dull impacts filled the tent as arrows pierced flesh again and again. Several people were hit before they could react, their bodies skewered by sharp Chakra arrows. Blood and fragments sprayed out, splashing across faces frozen in terror.
"Enemy attack!"
Chiyo shouted sharply, snapping everyone awake as she flung the purple Scroll from her waist. The Scroll unfurled in the air, revealing ten identical symbols. Before her Chakra could flow into it, a heavy thud echoed out.
A figure dropped from above and landed on the meeting table. The arrow rain stopped at once, abrupt and complete. An excited, trembling voice followed as a strange blade glinted before the figure's face, showing only eyes full of killing intent.
"Looks like everyone is here."
"Hanzo?!"
Chiyo's furious cry rang out as recognition hit her. In the instant their pupils shrank, Hanzo crouched on the table, grinning as he whipped out the scythe of the Kusarigama. A piercing screech tore through the air.
Kenjutsu·Kusarigama Nidan Uchi!
The pouring rain was cut clean in half by black arcs of light, the air itself split into visible rings before their eyes. Almost without thinking, everyone raised their weapons to block. A terrifying hiss followed as sparks burst out and weapons were sliced cleanly apart.